Check out the most recent issue of the A-SMYLE and YES SEE programs'
Balkan Youth Voices vol. 4, issue 3
Thomas de Waal Participates in the "Works-in-Progress" Series in Tbilisi, Georgia
As part of the ongoing "Works-in-Progress" series organized jointly in Tbilisi by American Councils and the Caucasus Research Resource Centers (CRRC), journalist and author Thomas de Waal presented on February 16 a project that he is currently working on entitled "Georgia's Choices of State Models: Riding Different Horses."
Students Studying in Russia Discuss Language Improvement
In a new American Councils YouTube video, Advanced Russian Language and Area Studies Program (RLASP) students discuss the language gains they are experiencing on their study abroad program.
Participants on this increasingly popular study abroad program in Russia were asked to discuss Russian language improvement after completing approximately 75% of the program. Students pointed to dramatic increases in speaking and listening skills as well as a greater understanding of the cultural context. To hear their complete answers, be sure to watch this short video.
American Councils Responds to Events in Egypt
American Councils' staff successfully arranged for the emergency evacuation of all our students and staff from locations in Cairo and Alexandria, Egypt during the protests from January 31 to February 1. All of the students are now home and in good condition, though naturally eager to return to their programs overseas, as conditions in Egypt permit.
A fair amount of press coverage has been devoted to this activity over the past week. The following ABC News report, “U.S. College Students Return from Egypt,” provides some interesting details on how the operation felt from the point of view of one of our students, an undergraduate woman now back at the University of Texas/Austin.
Online Applications Now Available for Global Youth Service Day 2011 Matching Grants
The Eurasia FLEX Alumni Office of American Councils for International Education announces the 2011 Global Youth Service Day (GYSD) FLEX Alumni Matching Grants Initiative, which is funded by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the U.S. Department of State.
FLEX Alumna in Volgograd, Russia, Promotes Women in Politics
As she stood on the podium at Volgograd State University beside five male classmates to receive the city-wide award for her outstanding participation in the Volgograd Universities Election Games, Marina Khornikina ’07 (Volgograd and Woodland, CA) had one thought: “Where are the other brilliant women that I study with at my university, and what is it about public and political life that makes them shy away?”
This led Marina to organize the School of Young Women Politicians, and apply for a grant from the British Council’s Global Changemakers Program. Together with support from the Committee of Youth Affairs of the Volgograd City Administration, Volgograd State Pedagogical University, and members of the Volgograd Youth Parliament, Marina was set for success.
YES Macedonia Alumna Organizes Day of Recreation at Local Home for the Elderly
Evegenija (Eva) Stojchevska, a 2010 YES Macedonia alumna, was awarded an alumni small grant from America Councils to support her project, "Giving to Our Seniors." The goal was to honor what she believes to be one of the most overlooked social classes in her society: seniors in assisted living centers. This project took place at the Mother Teresa state nursing home in Skopje, Macedonia, before Christmas.
With the grant, Eva and six other volunteers, including 2010 YES Macedonia alumni Simona Ristovska, Irina Conevska, and Emir Hasanovic, bought presents for the nursing home residents based on the their needs and interests. The volunteers also planned a day for interaction and entertainment with the residents, beginning with a lottery.
The 2010-2011 Eurasia FLEX Alumni Grants Program - Applications Online!
The Eurasia FLEX Alumni Office and American Councils for International Education are pleased to announce the launch of the FLEX Alumni Grants Program, funded by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). The program assists past participants of the Future Leaders Exchange Program (FLEX) of the program years 1994-2010 to implement projects, which contribute to the social, economic, and civic development of their countries. Apply now!
Know Your Rights!
Did you know that every donor has rights?
Just as American Councils exceeds expectations in delivering quality educational programs to students from around the world, we also strive to go beyond these ethical standards in our relationships with donors. The Donor Bill of Rights was created by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy, the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, and the Giving Institute, and endorsed by numerous
organizations. It states that "Philanthropy is based on voluntary action for the common good. It is a tradition of giving and sharing that is primary to the quality of life. To assure that philanthropy merits the respect and trust of the general public, and that donors and prospective
donors can have full confidence in the not-for-profit organizations and causes that they are asked to support, we declare that all donors have these rights," including:
- To be informed of the organization's mission, of the way the organization intends to use donated resources, and of its capacity to use donations effectively for their intended purposes.
American Councils' 2010 Employee Giving Campaign Defies Recession
We wish to thank everyone who made a gift during the Employee Giving Campaign in 2010.
Exceeding our expectations - reinforced by the ongoing
recession - you helped us raise a total of $10,433.20 from 50 employees, who gave to American Councils or to one of its many initiatives. Approximately 75 percent of the donations were received during the Employee Giving Campaign.
We appreciate every donation, no matter the size, and as always, we will make sure that your gift always has the impact you intended. From the employee-driven funds (Outbound Scholarships, Participant Emergency Fund, and the International Outreach Fund), to new initiatives including the Generation FLEX Russia Alumni Fund, we are always seeking ways to enhance our fundraising efforts to make a difference.
